- Ripple unlocked 1B XRP in May 2025 via 3 delayed transactions worth $2.2B.
- A 700M XRP pre-lock on May 2 signals strategic escrow changes.
- XRP trades between $1.96–$2.50, with $2.25 resistance closely watched.
The release of one billion XRP from Ripple’s escrow in May 2025 has reignited market-effect discussions among trading circles. Three separate transactions released more than $2.2 billion which deviated from the company’s regular release schedule. The transactions took place on May 3 which was two days past their normal release date. This delay and the accompanying pre-lock of tokens have added to speculation regarding Ripple’s evolving strategy for XRP liquidity.
Shift in XRP Escrow Release Timing
Three transactions totaling 500 million XRP, 300 million XRP, and 200 million XRP were released in May according to Whale Alert data. Ripple implemented a pre-lock of 700 million XRP on May 2 which mirrored previous patterns observed during March and April.
Ripple has not disclosed any public information about their changed release structure but this method clearly differs from their established model since 2017. The original strategy required Ripple to secure 55 billion XRP in escrow and release one billion XRP each month to maintain market liquidity.
XRP that remained unused at month-end would become locked again during previous cycles.
In recent months, however, the company has begun locking a portion of the XRP before the scheduled release. This shift suggests a more cautious or adaptive method for managing token circulation and market impact.
The May release keeps the lock amount consistent with previous cycles, but the timing change is notable. It introduces uncertainty about whether Ripple is adjusting to market trends or adopting new internal policies.
XRP Price Holds Amid Consolidation Phase
Since its release, XRP continues to trade within a range between $1.96 and $2.50. The market is experiencing a consolidation period according to analysts who are closely monitoring the $2.25 resistance level.
Market analysts have identified this level as crucial because it may influence upcoming price movements. XRP continues to show support at $1.80 which matches the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement point that acts as a powerful technical indicator.
Crypto analyst Casitrades identified price exhaustion through the Relative Strength Index (RSI) which signals a likely pullback before another upward price movement. The cautious sentiment in the short term has not stopped traders from maintaining optimism about XRP’s future if it stabilizes above resistance levels.
The trading targets of $2.68 and $3.00 will remain under observation with market behavior and trading volume determining the focus in future sessions.
Market Interprets Ripple’s Strategic Adjustments
The deviation in timing and structure has fueled discussions across the crypto market. Ripple’s adjustment of escrow mechanics demonstrates a response to growing scrutiny and market volatility.
The timing of these events matches the digital asset industry’s wider progress which features both regulatory measures and changing perspectives on stablecoins and altcoins. The May release preserved the quantity of unlocked XRP but Ripple’s new pre-locking mechanism reflects an altered strategic direction.
